Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon

Chapter 122

Cordelia sat slumped at her desk, now changed into her cozy pajamas. Elbows planted firmly on the wood, she cradled her smartphone in her hands, awaiting a reply from the members of her social group chat.

Since yesterday, the question had been gnawing at her, who exactly was Everard? Even Sanderson, the guy who knew everyone in town, didn’t recognize the name. Could it be that Everard was a ghost, a figment of her Imagination?

This morning’s chat in the Pioneers Group sparked a realization, the group was a melting pot of professionals from various fields. Surely someone might know him, right?

But after she posted her question, the chat fell eerily silent.

After a torturous two–minute wait, a reply finally popped up.

Bland asked, [Lia, are you pulling our leg? How could you not know him?]

Cordelia blinked, her instincts telling her that Bland knew Everard. She typed back hastily, [Who is he?]

Silence fell over the group once again.

Just as she was about to probe further, another message came through.

Nolnterruptions said, [Never heard of him.]

Like an icebreaker, the message prompted a flurry of responses.

Pianoman said, [Nope, doesn’t ring a bell.]

Mathster replied, [A mystery to me.]

Painter said, [Who?]

Chef replied, [Not a clue.]

Others all replied, [No idea.]

Everyone chimed in except Louie Adams. Cordelia’s brow furrowed as she read the stream of ignorance, finally addressing Bland directly, [So, you’re the one who knows him, @Bland?]

Bland replied, [No, I definitely do not.]

was confused,

replied, [Sorry, must’ve been a brain fart. Got the

was speechless, […]

this and nobody knew him?

mused for a moment before echoing Painter’s earlier message – [If anyone digs up

phone aside and opened the book “The Periodic Table” that she’d borrowed from her

through the pages with a heavy

school education was comprehensive and had even self–studied some college material, but

to double down on her efforts.

PM when Lorna brought her a cup of milk and honey. “Get some sleep, dear. You

to good advice, nodded in agreement.

was setting her alarm when a new message popped up on her

[Lia, why are you

from Louie. She pondered for a moment before replying with the naked truth, (He’s

came quickly, No way. Is

do you

to deliberate for a full ten minutes before sending back a cryptic message: [Be careful around him in real life. Keep

keeping her distance? They hadn’t even been

deeply, replying. I can’t stay away from

thinking she was waxing poetic about love, just as Lorna and Sanderson

decide, Louie replied,

moment’s thought, she responded: [Because “Love or Die” curse.

Louie went silent.

indicator blinked for another ten minutes, but

I know. I’ll see your granddad about a

knew. He actually

else might have called him immediately, but Cordelia was patient by nature. If Louie said tomorrow, she

single

the phone down, dried her hair, and slipped into bed. Just as she was about to turn off the device, it rang, the sharp tone jarring

the screen, recognizing Everard’s number. What could he

she answered, and a familiar voice, more

seemed different in the nocturnal stillness, somehow more appealing. She hesitated before

he stated, his voice so soothing it seemed to caress the